A class of protocols for heavy loaded multiple-channel local area networks

Multichannel local area networks (MLANs) that use several parallel broadcast channels and carrier sense multiple-access (CSMA)-type protocols have been shown to provide better performance than single-channel LANs of the same total bandwidth. The authors introduce new protocols that apply an asymmetric load assignment policy and show that at medium to high levels they allow higher throughput than the protocols applying symmetric load assignment. They describe the MLAN architecture and protocols, present the model used in performance analysis, and discuss basic assumptions. Derivations of analytical solutions for two classes of asymmetric load assignment protocols are given. A measure of the degree of asymmetry is proposed. The performance of MLANs using the symmetric load assignment protocols is compared with that of protocols with different degrees of asymmetry. The comparisons are carried out for a range of MLAN configurations under various normalized loads.<>